Ombudsperson reaffirms equal enforcement of workplace harassment law across all sectors

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Fauzia Waqar on Friday urged women to report every incident of workplace harassment without fear, stressing that awareness and timely complaints are key to ensuring legal protection and holding offenders accountable.

                Fauzia Waqar, talking to a local television programme said that the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace law is enforced equally across both public and private sector institutions, warning that anyone found guilty would be held accountable under the law.

                She said workplace harassment is not limited to physical misconduct but also includes gender-based discrimination, denying women equal opportunities, reserving senior positions only for men, ignoring merit and performance in promotions and unwelcome physical contact.

           Waqar said repeated attempts to invade a woman’s personal space, standing unnecessarily close, or any conduct that creates an intimidating or hostile work environment may also constitute workplace harassment under the law.

            She urged women not to remain silent out of fear of victim-blaming and encouraged them to report such incidents, reaffirming that the law provides equal protection and applies uniformly across both public and private sector institutionsa.

             Waqar said the law provides for stringent penalties, including substantial fines and other legal punishments, for those found guilty of workplace harassment or for anyone attempting to suppress a complaint or retaliate against a complainant.

            She also urged women not to fear retaliatory action for reporting harassment, assuring that the law protects complainants against victimization and ensures that those engaging in any form of revenge or intimidation can also be held accountable.

           Concluding her remarks, Waqar said the government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards workplace harassment, adding that the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) remains committed to ensuring timely justice, safeguarding women’ s rights, and promoting safe and dignified workplaces across the country.